Progesterone testing

[jane313]

I know lots of you have had this done. Is the only problem is that its too low? Does this mean you are not ovulating or is it just that you have a short luteal phase? (I didn't think mine was according to the ov kits and cm)

What are the treatments? Is it clomid?

I've just been told that mine needs retesting as theres a problem but only spoke to an admin person not a dr so no idea what the issue is. She said that I wasn't ovulating but then changed it to the blood test needs to be taken when I am ovulating. Mine was taken on day 21.

Day 21 is a standard test done to measure progesterone levels although sometimes this test is done later in the cycle. A level of 30 or higher would indicate ovulation.

Do you have a definate diagnosis of the problem?. Feel you need this first and foremost. If the underlying cause of the subfertility is a condition like polcystic ovaries then other hormone levels like LH and FSH will also be affected.

Progesterone is only part of the story; LH and FSH are key hormones at the start of the whole process of ovulation. If these two levels are out of sync then this will affect ovulation as well.

Have you been referred to a gynae for further evaluation?.

Clomid is usually given when ovulation is a problem. However, its powerful stuff so you should be monitored whilst on it (it can affect hormone levels).

Hope this helps a bit

Thanks meerkats. You always know! I just had a garbled chat to someone at the surgery. I had my other hormones tested on day 6 (My dr said day5-10 was ok, I will ask her why it wasn't day 3). I was told these were ok but haven't actually taked to dr about that either (will ring her tomorrow and have an app in a couple of weeks as I wasn't sure how long the tests would take).

I was just told there was no ovulation and it needs to be retested, but no actual numbers given. Not been refered yet, she was just doing initial tests.

Can't decide whether its good that I may have a specific problem that may be able to be treated or despairing that this is all just a bit too depressing and the whole process will just get worse and worse.

My guess is that your LH and FSH levels were tested on day 6. Although Day 3 is a standard test in this regard these hormones can be measured around this time as well.

What you need to do when you get the day 6 results is to make sure that they compare the LH level against that of the FSH level. If LH is higher than FSH then this is one possible indicator of there being a hormonal imbalance. In this regard PCO (polcystic ovaries) is a common culprit. They should not just read one level and then another without comparing the two.

I would think its a specific problem that can be treated but it may be a long and difficult journey for you. You should be seen by a gynae for further evaluation in any event as hormonal problems like this are outside a GPs general remit.

HTH